Lake Stuart - 10.0 Miles Round-Trip

Lake Stuart (5,064') is located 5.0 miles from Stuart Lake Trailhead in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. It occupies a photogenic basin below Mount Stuart (9,415') and a line of craggy peaks in the Stuart Range and Enchantments Lakes Basin.

The Stuart Lake Trail follows Mountaineer Creek through diverse mid-elevation and subalpine forests before opening at the lake. Grades are generally moderate, though lengthy sections are rough and rooted. The hike is suitable for active families with older children.

Lake Stuart falls within the Enchantment Permit Area, and specific rules and permits apply for day and overnight use. Camping permits are limited. See below for important details.

Note: A Recreation Pass or Fee is required to access this trailhead. Dogs are not permitted on trails to Lake Stuart and Colchuk Lake:

The Stuart Lake Trail (#1599) heads SW to the Alpine Lakes Wilderness Boundary (.3 miles) and rises gently through stands of hemlock, silver fir and a few boggy areas of cedar and devil's club. Huckleberries are abundant on these early stretches.

It crosses a side stream on a log bridge (1.2 miles : 3,701') to a split for hikers and equestrians (1.6 miles : 3,800'). Take the left fork and cross Mountaineer Creek on a footbridge (1.8 miles); the right fork leads to a creek ford for horses and rejoins the main stem shortly after.

The trail passes a spur on the left for a campsite atop a large, flat boulder with up-valley views (2.0 miles : 3,990'), and gradually steepens on rugged, rooted tread to the LakeStuart- Colchuk Lake Trail split (2.65 miles : 4,410'). Keep right.

The Stuart Lake Trail rises steadily beside Mountaineer Creek before moderating from 3.1 - 3.9 miles with expanding views up Mountaineer Creek, and across the distinguished summits of Colchuk, Argonaut, Sherpa and Mount Stuart.

Steeper grades resume past a small waterfall (4.35 miles : 4,710') on the final push to Lake Stuart (4.95 miles : 5,064'). Several campsites and a privy can be found along the north shore.

Social trails weave up the north side to the inlet and a large meadow just beyond, from which you may continue on a challenging cross-country route to Horseshoe Lake, Jack Lake or the base of Stuart Glacier.

Camping is restricted to the zone for which your permit is issued. The only exception is for the Core Enchantment Permit, which allows you to camp in any of the zones.

All visitors are welcome to day hike beyond their zone, meaning those with a Snow or Colchuck Zone Permit may also visit the Core Enchantments, but on a day-use only basis.

There are three methods of obtaining an overnight permit during the permit season:

Apply during the annual permit lottery.

Make a reservation online after the pre-season lottery.

Obtain a daily walk-in permit during the permit season

The Permit Lottery

A pre-season lottery is held in February through early March of each year to award the majority of permits.

Following the pre-season lottery, remaining permits are available on a first come, first served basis through the recreation.gov advance reservation system. A small number of permits are available on an unreserved daily walk-in basis at the Wenatchee Ranger Station in Leavenworth every morning during the permit season at 7:30 am (except Sundays).

Permit Fees, Rules and Restrictions

Permits are $5 per person, per day.

Permits are Non-Transferable.

Group Leaders cannot be changed.

Once a permit reservation is confirmed, no changes or additions may be made to the alternate group leader.

You must enter the permit area on the entry date shown on your permit.

You may camp only in the zone(s) indicated on your permit.

Maximum length of stay is 14 consecutive days. People may not exit and re-enter at a later date.

Violation of terms may result in a fine and/or revocation of the permit / early termination of your trip.

Camping Rules and Regulations

Group size is limited to 8 individuals or any combination of people and stock. All members of a permit group must camp together in one site.

Two (or more) groups on separate permits may not travel and/or camp together if the total number exceeds 8.

Groups must stay separate (minimum of 1 mile and 1 hour) and independent throughout their trip.

Campfires are prohibited above 5,000', and within 1/2 mile of all lakes and streams.

Camp only in established campsites.

Bathe and wash dishes at least 150-200' from lakes and streams.

Campfires are prohibited above 5,000 feet (including Stuart Lake) and within ¼ mile of all lakes.

Fishing Information

Fishing is permitted throughout the Enchantment Lakes Basin and in all related streams with a valid WA state fishing license.

Contact the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife for specific guidelines.